Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise

Travel to where the Cascade and Olympic Mountains meet the sea, forming the stunning Puget Sound and San Juan Islands archipelago. Cruise the clear blue waters to picturesque historic seaside towns such as La Conner where you can partake in a traditional smoked salmon tasting. As you journey through the San Juan Islands, witness abundant wildlife including whales, eagles, and seals. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region on our customized shore excursions to Butchart Gardens with its flower-adorned archways and Olympic National Park where you will witness breathtaking vistas. Learn about the cultural influences of both the Norwegians and the Suquamish tribe from the American Cruise Lines onboard historians and local expert guides. On your private balcony, you can sip fine wines from local vineyards, while keeping an eye out for “Spirit," an Orca whale American Cruise Lines adopted during our first season on the Puget Sound.

Ask about our Current Savings and our celebrated Seattle Pre-Cruise Package which includes a premium hotel stay, city tour, and transportation to the ship. See the Schedules & Rates tab for Current Savings.

Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise

We begin our voyage from the world-class city of Seattle, harbor hopping through the Puget Sound and cruising the San Juan Islands. Along the way, visit charming seaside towns, take in some of the most beautiful natural scenery, and learn about the area’s rich history and culture, before returning to the city where our journey began.

Ports of Call

Pre-Cruise Package Available

Seattle, WA

Anacortes, WA

Friday Harbor, WA

Victoria, BC / Port Angeles, WA

Port Townsend, WA

Poulsbo, WA

Seattle, WA

Day by Day

Pre-CruisePre-Cruise Package Available

Our custom Seattle Pre-Cruise Package provides you with a seamless way to experience the city and easily board the ship. Arrive the day before your cruise and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium 4-star hotel stay in downtown Seattle, a complete city tour on the morning of your cruise, and transportation to the ship. Please call (800) 460-4518 for additional details and availability.

Pre-Cruise Tour of Seattle

The Pre-Cruise Tour of Seattle brings you to all the city’s highlights, including downtown and the famous Pike Place Market. For convenience, the tour meets in the hotel lobby after breakfast and concludes at the ship for the perfect start to your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day
1Seattle, WA

Arrive early in Seattle and spend the day exploring local attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. In the afternoon, your cruise on Puget Sound begins as we set sail across the clear blue water.

Day
2Anacortes, WA

Anacortes is home to Deception Pass, one of the
most photographed places in the Northwest. View the pass from the water, or explore on easy walking trails along the shoreline. There will be plenty of time to visit the town, just a few steps from our dock. After dinner, the Fidalgo Swing Band will join us for an evening of swing in the main lounge.

Anacortes Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Located between Seattle and Vancouver, on beautiful Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is known as the gateway to San Juan. Anacortes is a thriving seaside town with a past that mirrors the fascinating boom and bust history and entrepreneurial spirit of the area. Join a local guide for a walking tour of the town to get a true feel for the islands of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Admire the extensive, colorful murals depicting the history of the city. You will also take in the town center and the W.T. Preston stern wheeler.

Skagit Country Museum & SeaBear Salmon Tasting

Visit nearby La Conner, WA and learn more about this charming town as you explore the downtown area and visit the local Skagit County Historical Museum. Upon your return to Anacortes, a stop will be made at SeaBear Smokehouse for an exclusive tasting and tour. Since its founding in 1957, SeaBear Smokehouse has been smoking salmon in the centuries-old traditions of the Pacific Northwest. During your visit, sample lots of varieties of smoked salmon including San Juan Sliders and Smoked Salmon Chowder.

Deception Pass Jet Boat Tour

Get an unobstructed view of Deception Pass aboard the Island Whaler, an aluminum catamaran, while exploring the sights and sounds of this historic region. Hear the tales of characters who navigated these waters and visit local attractions including the Old Prison Rock Quarry, Deception Island, and a bald eagle's nest.

Onboard Entertainment - An-O-Chords

Be welcomed onboard by wonderful harmonies in the acapella style of a Barbershop Quartet. These snappy-dressed gentlemen all originate from the Anacortes, WA area and have been singing for over 50 years!

Day
3Cruising the San Juan Islands

Your cruise is as much about the journey as it is about each destination. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as we make our way through the San Juan Islands. Witness the whales, eagles, and seals that adorn the backdrop of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the top deck.

Day
4Friday Harbor, WA

Friday Harbor is a beautiful, walkable seaport with small shops and turn-of-the-century buildings. Experience island life as it was over a century ago by visiting the San Juan Historical Museum. At the Whale Museum, learn about Spirit, the orca whale American Cruise Lines adopted during our first season on the Puget Sound.

The Whale Museum

Join a docent at the Whale Museum for a guided tour. In the Gallery of Whales, you will learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with a special focus on the orcas of J, K and L pods living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Discover a mesmerizing collection of exhibits, artwork, models, and artifacts, including actual whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident orcas. You can also listen to the "songs” of various species of whales in the Whale Phone Booth, and watch an informative video on Pacific Northwest orcas.

Signature Whale Watching Tour

Witness these majestic mammals in their natural habitat on this whale-watching tour and discover why the San Juan Islands is considered the best place to view orca whales. This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 for more information.

Onboard Entertainment - Fidalgo Swing

This popular band transports guests to an era when Swing was king. Featuring horn, guitar, double bass, percussion and the stylistic vocals of Beth Baker, this exceptional group of musicians performs the best of big band and Latin Jazz music.

San Juan Island Adventure

Tour the beautiful and unique San Juan Island. Explore Roche Harbor, a historical resort that was the site of an active lime kiln industry for several decades. View the original hotel, company store, and kilns, as well as the beautiful garden. Enjoy a visit to an alpaca farm, followed by a stop at Lime Kiln State Park where you can walk down to an active lighthouse and take in the scenic views across Haro Strait to Vancouver Island and Victoria.

Signature San Juan Kayaking Tour

Take a guided kayak trip in the serene Griffin Bay. Paddle by small islands and hidden coves with the possibility of seeing a harbor seal haul out, bald eagles, river otters, and a variety of local and migratory sea birds. Majestic Mt. Baker, and the Olympic and Cascade ranges create a picturesque backdrop for your sea kayaking experience in the San Juan Islands. Paddle in the comfort and safety of stable tandem fiberglass kayaks, with therma-rest seat cushions and light weight carbon-fiber paddles.

This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 for more information.

Day
5Victoria, BC / Port Angeles, WA

The only Canadian town on our cruise, Victoria is a wonderful place to spend a day on a guided tour through the magnificent Butchart Gardens and lively waterfront. Start the tour from our berth in Port Angeles, continuing to Hurricane Ridge with vast views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the mountainous wilderness of Olympic National Forest.

Onboard Entertainment - Port Angeles Symphony

The well-known Orchestra showcases a featured performer while in port. The featured artist comes from the best local talent in the area ranging from sultry Jazz singers, award-winning high school band members, or a piano soloist.

Butchart Gardens & Victoria City Signature Tour

Take a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. You will be greeted in Victoria by a friendly local guide who will take you on a brief tour of the city on your way to the Butchart Gardens. As you enter the park under the flower adorned archway, stone paths line gentle streams decorated with colorful arrays of flowers. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a picnic luncheon in the midst of the garden. Passengers MUST have passport for this tour as you are traveling to Canada.

This is a Signature Shore Tour. Please call (800) 460-4518 for more information.

Olympic National Park & Hurricane Ridge

The natural beauty of the Olympic National Park will be on full display as a local park ranger takes you on a tour of the grounds. Traveling in small groups, you will learn about the park's unique variety of flora and fauna and visit Hurricane Ridge, one of its most popular destinations. On the ridge, where natural wildflowers cover mountain meadows, witness the best vista views of the park, and by extension, the state of Washington.

Lake Crescent Lodge at Olympic National Park

One of the most unique aspects of the nearly one million acres of Olympic National Park is the diversity of environments. Witness the beautiful turquoise waters of this glacier formed lake. Stop at Lake Crescent Lodge for time to explore and sip a complimentary beverage while viewing the breathtaking landscape.

Heritage Port Angeles Experience

On this walking tour, discover the unique, downtown of Port Angeles. The eccentric outdoor art, magnificent shopping, and stunning floral landscaping make this a true treasure of the Pacific Northwest.

Day
6Port Townsend, WA

Port Townsend is a charming town with a fascinating past. Beautifully restored Victorian architecture is now home to small museums, galleries, and shops. In the evening, members of the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra will be aboard for a night of magnificent classical music.

Historic Port Townsend Exploration

Our local guide dressed in Victorian-era attire will greet you at the ship for a one-of-a-kind welcome to Port Townsend. This lively guide will take you through the historic downtown area telling tales about the many colorful characters that helped build the city. Learn about the city's interesting architecture, the waterfront district’s unique past, and how this tiny town came to be called the “New York of the West.”

Fort Worden State Park Tour

Your guide will greet you on board to take you to the National Historic Landmark site of Fort Worden State Park. Here you will discover the history of the “Triangle of Fire,” a trio of forts built to protect Puget Sound at the turn of the last century. Fort Worden occupies the northwestern side of the triangle and sits atop a scenic bluff on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Highlights include Point Wilson Lighthouse, built to help friendly warships navigate home, and the Parade Grounds, where military drills and training were once held. Before returning to the ship, your guide will take you to the ramparts atop the fort where massive gun emplacements look out onto fantastic views of the Puget Sound.

Day
7Poulsbo, WA

Poulsbo is a great place to visit for its history, scenery, and lively downtown. Originally a logging camp settled by Norwegians who likened the landscape to the fjords of their homeland, Poulsbo retains a Scandinavian influence. A distinct Native American influence is present in nearby Suquamish, located on the Port Madison Indian Reservation, where a museum is dedicated to the history and culture of this native tribe.

Historic Poulsbo Tour

As you tender into the small town of Poulsbo, a friendly guide from the Poulsbo Historical Society will be there to greet you at the dock. Once a popular destination for Norwegian and Finnish immigrants, the town’s Scandinavian influence is evident the minute you step ashore. Your guide will take you through the historical downtown area, and afterwards you will have the opportunity to sample authentic Norwegian pastries. For more information on Poulsbo and the Kitsap Peninsula, click here.

Suquamish Museum

The night before arriving in Poulsbo, WA, an onboard historian will share with you the history of local Suquamish tribe. Building upon the lecture you received the night before, the following day you will visit the new Suquamish Museum. This museum brings together many different artifacts and photographs from Suquamish people, many of which have never been exhibited before. A highlight of the museum is a uniquely designed cedar timeline depicting the tribe’s history from the beginning of the last Ice Age to current times.

Onboard Entertainment - The Duwamish Dixieland Band

With an impressive song catalog and a truly talented group of musicians, the Duwamish Dixieland Band provides an incredibly fun night of entertainment. Join in by playing instruments provided by the band and sing along to classic Dixieland songs.

Day
8Seattle, WA

Welcome back to Seattle. Relax on the sun deck as the famous skyline of the city draws near. Once we arrive, make the most of you time in Seattle with a tour, or allow American Cruise Lines to assist with transportation arrangements home.

Seattle City Tour

Let American Cruise Lines be your guide to the lively and diverse streets of the Emerald City. Tour the heart of the downtown area with a friendly guide who will point out the city’s biggest attractions. An excursion highlight is the Pike Place Market, the oldest continually operated farmer’s market in the United States. Peruse the market and sample some of Seattle’s freshest produce, all with a stunning view of the picturesque Elliot Bay.

Museum of Flight

Enjoy a guided tour of the Museum of Flight, led by a docent who will lead the group through the evolution of aviation, describing in detail the onsite world-class aircraft collection. View the Aerocar III, the famous Blackbird SR-71, and the only remaining Boeing 80A around to this day. The museum also has a large collection of WWI and WW2 planes, as well as a Concorde and a former Air Force One used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, both of which you can walk through.

Experiences

Explore the hidden gems of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. Savor the delicious cuisine, visit the most sought-after destinations, view the amazing wildlife and immerse yourself in all the area has to offer.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh seafood and delicious fare. Our team of master chefs takes great pride in offering you a customized menu, featuring the finest locally sourced cuisine in the region.

Sample Dinner Menu

American Spirit

The modern American Spirit is for the traveler who pursues the exceptional. Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of Alaska, the American Spirit brings passengers to some of the most beautiful locations in America. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests find that fellow travelers share their passion for these historic places, and often become fast friends. It's easy to relax and feel comfortable in the spacious and relaxing rooms.

Owner's Suite (Private Balcony)

Experience complete comfort in this spacious private sanctuary where you can feel right at home. At 350 sq. ft. the Owner’s Suite is quite roomy and features a full-size bathroom. Enjoy a large sitting area, a writing desk, closet, and a private balcony offering expansive views from a stunning vantage point.

AAC (Private Balcony)

These 283 sq. ft. staterooms are located on the top deck which provides privacy and great panoramic views. The living space is comparable to that of a fine hotel room and offers a writing desk, a closet, a full-size bathroom, and a private balcony.

AAL (Private Balcony)

AAL staterooms are a spacious retreat with all the amenities a modern traveler expects. Each room offers 263 sq. ft. of space encompassing a full-size bathroom, a private balcony, and a large opening picture window.

AA

AA Category staterooms are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Each 258 sq. ft. room has a large opening picture window with views of the passing scenery. The room also offers a full-size bathroom and plenty of closet space.

A

A category rooms are a quiet enclave for total relaxation. They come equipped with a full assortment of modern amenities and large opening picture windows. Each room is 258 sq. ft. and ideal for cruising the inland waterways of the Northwest.

Single (Private Balcony)

The intimate atmosphere of each Single stateroom is ideal for the solo traveler. At 248 sq. ft. each room has a twin bed, a full-size bathroom, a private balcony, and plenty of room to spread out and make yourself at home.

American Spirit Deck Plan

American Constellation

Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest, the brand new AmericanConstellation brings guests to beautiful ports the larger ships can't access. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges, as well as observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular views of the passing landscapes.

Owner's Suite (Private Balcony)

At up to 450 sq. ft. the American Constellation Owner's Suites are both spacious and elegantly appointed. Located on a private deck, each secluded suite offers our distinguished travelers amazing views from the private walk-out balcony. The well-furnished suites come fully equipped and offer a sitting area, writer’s desk, sliding glass door and full-size bathroom.

Veranda Suite (Private Balcony)

With a generous up to 450 sq. ft. of relaxing space, each Veranda suite includes a private walk-out balcony to enjoy the panoramic views. Considered one of the finest staterooms on any cruise ship, guests will enjoy full-size bathrooms and large living area with sliding glass door.

AAM (Private Balcony)

At 368 sq. ft., our AAM staterooms are designed to offer the privacy you desire while cruising. Located on the fourth deck, these spacious staterooms are elegantly furnished and feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to a private walk-out balcony where the grandness of the Pacific Northwest scenery can be enjoyed.

AAC (Private Balcony)

At 350 sq. ft., each AAC stateroom offers all of the comforts of a fine hotel. These staterooms also feature full sliding glass doors and a private walk-out balcony which provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

AAL (Private Balcony)

Our AAL staterooms offer all the comforts of home and amazing panoramic views. At 350 sq. ft. each room includes an interior entrance, expansive private walk-out balcony, and a large sitting area.

AA

Centrally located, these 302 sq. ft. staterooms offer amazing views and easy access to the lounge areas. Enjoy the expansive views out of your own large opening picture window. Each room comes equipped with a large closet and full-size bathroom.

Single (Private Balcony)

Solo travelers will find relaxing comfort in our Single staterooms complete with a walk-out private balcony. Enjoy one of the largest single staterooms in the industry at 250 sq. ft., featuring a comfortable twin bed, large sliding glass door, and spacious full-size bathrooms.

Single

Find modern amenities and relaxing comfort in our 226 sq. ft. Single staterooms. With a large picture window, twin size beds and sizable bathrooms, these Single staterooms are perfect for solo travelers.

American Constellation Deck Plan

Eagle Society Cruise

Journey to one of the most magnificent cruising grounds in the U.S., as you tour the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. With more plants and animal species in and around the Sound than anywhere else in Washington, enjoy the perfect vantage point to view sea lions, hawks, and more. Eagle Society members will receive a private reception in Port Angeles at Olympic National Park overlooking Lake Crescent.

Tulip Festival Cruise

Springtime in the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful time with one of the most magnificent floral displays in the U.S. Join us for an unforgettable Puget Sound cruise during the height of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Admire the vibrant, vast tulip and daffodil fields on a leisurely stroll, chat with master growers, and learn some tips you can bring to your own garden.

Puget Sound Fall Foliage

Experience brilliant fall foliage with American Cruise Lines' Fall Cruises as we cruise the Puget Sound. Autumn is a beautiful time of year and we offer several opportunities to view the colorful red, orange, and yellow leaves during this season of transformation. Your tours along famous waterways include stops in intriguing ports-of-call, with guided shore excursions that take you to prime foliage viewing locations.

Deck Plan

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The Cascade and Olympic Mountains meet the sea to form the stunning Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands archipelago. Experience the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer with the help of American Cruise Lines' expert guides who lead you on fascinating shore excursions.

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We provide guests an extraordinary river cruising experience while exploring the historic waterways of the United States. Cruise in comfort aboard our modern fleet of river boats and paddlewheelers. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service on every cruise.